Col. Wallace announces his resignation as Director of Health Resource Center

James W. Wallace, Colonel, U. S. Army retired and tireless volunteer, reads his resignation letter to the Commissioners’ Court in Monday’s meeting. Sherry’s Shots The Leon County Commissioners Court convened for its regular meeting on February 8, 2010 at the Leon County Annex I Courtroom.

Col. James W. Wallace, Executive Director of the Leon County Health Resource Center (LHRC) read his letter of resignation to the Court. In the letter he stated that he had been working with the LHRC since May 2005 and listed some of his accom- plishments, which included working with the City of Centerville and Leon County to provide acceptable conditions for the patient/customer base. He said the staff is in place to continue to provide the services to Leon County in his absence.

Wallace is 78 years old and served our country for 30 years before retiring as a Colonel in the U. S. Army. He explained that he wants to spend more time with his wife of 50 years, his son and family, and his only grandchild who lives in Burbank, California. Wallace went on to say that he had missed many family experiences while serving his country, “I returned home from Vietnam after my first tour of duty there to see my family and son who was six months old. Somehow my family survived while I faithfully served our country for over 30 years.”

Wallace submitted his resignation to be effective immediately but said he would stay until April 30, 2010 when the current Network Development Grant ends, if the Court desired.

Judge Byron Ryder commended Wallace on the work he has done and on his unselfish commitment to his duty. Ryder lamented, “I am distraught that you are leaving this position but want you to know that you have done an outstanding job as Executive Director.” The Court asked Wallace to remain in the position until April 30.

Before tendering his resignation Wallace gave the monthly report for the LHRC stating “All is normal at the Resource Center and Clinic.” At the quarterly LHRC meeting on Monday, January 25, Dr. Robert McFarland, cardiologist, and Dr. Vicki Camp, optometrist, both stressed that they would like to partner with the LHRC to increase the availability and access to specialty care.

At the beginning of the Commissioners’ meeting, Judge Ryder said he would like to clarify some items. He said there had been some misunderstandings about funding for the Expo Center. According to Ryder, funds for the Center will come from grants and donations, not from county money.

Another point Ryder made was concerning the Oakwood Independent School District bond election. The OISD may call another school bond election and if they do, the county will have no involvement in the election other than providing voting machines.

Gary Maples with Veterans Affairs addressed the Court and explained that Leon County Veterans Service Officers (LCVSO) would like to apply for a grant from the State Lottery Fund but needs to be a 501-c-3 organization or a government entity in order to qualify. Maples said LCVSO meets neither requirement. Maples asked the Court if LCVSO could apply through the County and added that the group helps veterans who need financial assistance. There is a pot of $2.5 million available to veterans in the state. The Commissioners agreed to the request with the stipulation that someone from LCVSO verifies that a need exists when a request is received and suggested that Maples asked for $50,000 rather than the $30,000 originally discussed.

Leon County’s audit firm Belt-Harris and Associates presented findings of the FY09 audit and declared it to be a clean, unqualified opinion, the highest rating given. Total revenue was $10.2 million and expenses were 6.0 million with an ending balance of $5.4 million providing an acceptable cushion for operations.

A suggestion from last year’s audit was the need to have a policy in place to prevent and detect fraud. The Court agreed to approve a Fraud Prevention and Detection Policy for Leon County and appointed County Attorney Jim Witt to head the Fraud Policy Committee.

The Commissioners discussed the need to hire a court interpreter. There has only been one applicant and she has young children who need care while she is at work. The Court discussed the possibility of paying for child care but decided to table the item until later.

In further business the Court approved giving each Leon County Fire Department $2,000 to be paid on or before April 15, 2010; appointed Frances Thompson to the LHRC; approved putting the assessment monies collected by Senior Nutrition into a line item; approved a road use agreement for CR 420 – EnCana Oil and Gas, Precinct 1; approved a road use agreement for CR 213 – Hodge Services, Precinct 2; agreed to pay $500 to have the old County Clerk’s office cleaned after renovations plus $500 monthly for regular clean-up; and moved the scheduled “Tire Collection/ Pick-Up” dates from April 9 and 10 to April 23 and 24.